Student learning progression from Kindergarten through 9th Grade:

Children love to move and need to move. They learn through engagement of whole self. The power of dance and theater education inherently promotes within students lifelong learning, complex learning, effective communication, compassion, aesthetic awareness, collaboration skills, responsible citizenship and career readiness. The purpose of this third grade dance/theater course is to focus on learning through movement that develops bodily skill and kinesthetic awareness. Through movement activities and dance technique, the student will develop an understanding of time, space, and energy. This class will also emphasize the creative process, development of artistic insight, and individual expression. Lastly, students will be introduced to how dance and theater fit into one’s own life, the lives of others, and other historical and cultural perspectives that connect humanity.

All students should have the opportunity to experience the fine arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum and complete education. The study of drama helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be expressed simply in words, numbers, or the other arts. Theater Foundations class nurtures creativity, educates the whole child, and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension. Major Instructional Goals are: 1) Identify and define theater types, terminology, and stage directions, 2) Display signs of overcoming stage-fright, increased confidence in story-telling through drama, 3) Identify plot structure, 4) Demonstrate Playmaking skills by applying Plot Structure to original scenes, skits, and plays, 5) Use memorization and performance skills in monologues, scenes, and plays.

All students should have the opportunity to experience the fine arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum and complete education. The study of drama helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be expressed simply in words, numbers, or the other arts. Theater Foundations class nurtures creativity and educates the whole child and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension.

All students should have the opportunity to experience the fine arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum and complete education. The study of drama helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be expressed simply in words, numbers, or the other arts. Theater Foundations class nurtures creativity and educates the whole child and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension.a. Highly effective memorization skills – monologues, scenes, lyricsi. Tried multiple tools and found the ones that workb. Highly effective performance skills – alone and in an ensemble.i. projection, diction, characterization, “physicalization” – pantomime, tableau, Stanislavski Method, Suzuki Method, etc.ii. Proficiency in different performance genres/stylesiii. Be able to create an in-depth character w/justification from text.c. Recognize and be able to define many theater terms/vocabularyd. Working basic knowledge of theater history (Greek, Roman, Medieval, Shakes, etc.)e. Read and write a script – recognize/develop profound plot structure in bothf. Measurable growth in personal confidence in front of an audience (less stage-fright) — belief in oneselfg. Measurable individual growth – as a person – not just a performerh. Prepare a portfolio for future audition opportunities.i. Preparation for entering high school theater courses